Corn-husking machine.



PATENTED DEC. 4, 1906.

A. P. W'OLFE. CORN HUSKING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED DBo.12,19o4.

7 SHBnTs--smm 1.

PATENTED DBC. 4, 1906.

7-sHBnTs-SHBBT 2.

A. P. WOLFE.` URN HUSKING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED 1320.111904.

f 5 @rgb JWW No. 837,445. PATENTED 1330.4, 1906. A. P. WULPVE. CORN HUSKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEG. 12,1904.

v sBETs-SHBBT 3.

-N0. 837,445. PATENTED DEG. 4, 1906. A. P. WOLFB.

CORN HUSKING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED DBC.12,1904. 7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

No. 837,445. i PATBNTED DEO. 4, 1906A A. P. WOLFE.

CORN HUSKING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED DBG..12,1904.

7 SHEETS-SHEET PATENTED DEC. 4, 1906.

AVP. WOLFB.

CORN HUSKING MACHINE;

APPLICATION FILED DEC.12,1904. A

7 SEEE S-SHEET 6.

.Z2/y, ZU,

A. P. WOLFE.

CORN HUSKING MACHINE. APPLIOATIDN FILED DEO.12,1904.

PATBNTED DEC. 4, 19,06.

. 7 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

l l wardly around the delivery or front sprocketduring this operation as much as necessary to permit of introducing the ear of corn into the holder. lt is preferable, however, to irst separate the iaws so as to permit of introducing the ears freely into the holder` and then allow the jaws to close upon the ear oi corn for gripping and holding the same in place while the ear is being presented to the gag'ing and cutting devices. The means shown in the drawings for opening or separating the jaws of the gripper are constructed to effect this operation automatically while the holders are passing upwardly around the receiving or rear sprocket-wheel in position to receive an ear of corn and again when passing down- Wheel of the carrying-belt toperinit the ear of corn to discharge from the holder.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2and @-9, the opening means tor each gripper or holder consists of a pair oi opening-levers ll", pivoted to turn vertically on the lower or inner part ot the holder on opposite sides of the carrying-belt. Each of these levers has an o uter trip or tappet arm f, which is adapted to engage with a stationary abutment for turning the same,

and an inner cam or actuating-mmf', which is adapted to engage with a dependinglug or extension f 2 on the movable jaw for moving the latter away from its companion fixed jaw upon rocking this lever forwardly orin the direction of the arrow indicatedin Fig. 8. The

' abutment iorthus turning the releasing-levers is preferably provided by extendingthe hubs of the Jfront and rear sprocket-wheels suniciently so that they stand in theV path of the trip-arms oi'these lovers. As the hold-er passes upwardly around the rear sprocketwheel the trip-arms of its opening-levers engage with the hub thereof, causing the arms of the same to move the front jaw away from the rear jaw, thereby opening thegripper ,or holder for freelyreceiving the ear of corn. Miner theear has been thus placed in the holder and the latter has been moved forwardly by the carrying-belt suflicient to enable its opening-levers to clear the hub of the rear sprocket-wheel the springs e again move Vthe liront j aw of' the `holder forwardly and securely clamp the ear in the holder. As the hold-er passes downwardly around the front sprocket-wheel the trip-arms of its openi nglevers engage with the hub of this swrocketlgri-ppfer-jaws, but Vpermit them to remain securely in their clamped position against'the i corn.

ln order to retain the holder securely in place .and insure proper presentation of the corn to the raging and cutting mechanism, ine-ans are provided for keeping the holder or gripper against displacement while moving forwardly with the operative part oi the carrying-belt from the rear to the iront4 sprocketwheels. The preferred means for this purpose (shown in the drawings) consists in providing the bottom of each holderfon opposite sides with grooved lugs or ears g, `which engage their grooves with iixed longitudinal guide-rails G, arranged parallel on opposite sides of the path of the holders, as shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7. l

ln order to further guard against displacenient of the ears of corn in the holder and prevent the same from bein(y lifted out of the holder while unden'goingy the gaging and cutting operation, a retaining device v-is provided, which is constructed to torni a closure over the top of the holders and yieldingly enga e the upper side of the corn lying therein Whi e the same is carried forward by the operative portion of the carrying-belt. This retainin device preferably consists of two` pairs o horizontal retaining-bars H, the members of each air being arranged parallel side by side and engthwise in line with the retainingbars of the other pair. These bars are arranged above .the path of the holders so as to form a closure over the mouths of the sante and bear against the upper side ot the corn on opposite sides of the center therrof.

' Each retaining-bar is capable of moving rrtically independent of the other bars and is guided during this movement by means of vertical stems or rods it, projecting from the top of the bar upwardly through a stationary guide or supporting-rail h, arranged lengthwise'above the same. Two of such rails are employed for guiding the several retainin bars, and these are arranged lengthwise si e' by side and supported from the main frame by arches h2, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 3, el,r and 7. Each of ythe retaining-bars is 7ieldingly held in its depressed position, preiperably oy nieansof a pair of weight-levers ha, pivoted on the adjacent supporting-rail and bearing against/the upper ends of the guide-rods 7L of the respective retaining-bar. The downward movement of the latter may be limited by any suitable means-for instance, by stop-pins arranged on the guide-rod and bearing against the top of the adjacent rail, as shown in Fig. 2, The sto -pins are so arranged that the retainingars in their lowest position just clear the upper edges of the holder-jaws, so as to avoid undue wear- IOO ing of these parts if the machine is run while getting the same ready and while nocorn is present 1n the holders thereof. The front ends of the retaining-bars are turned up or rounded so to guide the corn underl the same-and also prevent the corn from being injured, which would be liable to occur if the ends were left straight.

As shown in the drawings, the machine is organized for 'first cutting off the butt-end 0f the ear' and thereafter the tip end; but this operation can be reversed, if desired.

The cutters for removing the butts and tips of the ears of.corn preferably consist of circular saws l lf, one of which is arranged vertically on one side of the path of the carrying-belt and ear-holders, near the receiving end thereof, while the other is arranged on the opposite side of said )ath near the delivery end of the belt an holders. The primary cutter is mounted on a horizon# tal shaft t, which is journaled transversely in bearings on the upper part of the main frame and rotated so that its lower part moves rearwardly, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1, by means of a driving-belt i', passing around a driving-pulley i2 on the main shaft and a pulley i on the primary cuttershaft, as shown in Fig. 1. The secondary cutter is mounted on t-he inner end of a shaft l2, which isjournaled in a bearing on the adjacent part of the main frame and is driven from thc'niain shaft by a belt 'i4 and pulleys i, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 5.

ln order to counteract the tendency of the rotary cutters to lift the ears of corn out of the holders while rotating in tho aforesaid direction, the front and rear jaws of the holders are inclined forwardly, as shown in Figs. l, 2, and 8. This causes the ear of corn as it is moved forwardly against the cutters to be drawn downwardly by the wedge action of the inclined rear jaw of the holder, and thereby avoids any tendency to displace the same.

' During the first portion of the forward movement of thel corn on the operativo portion of the carrying-belt the saine is operated upon bya gage device, which places the corn in position lor eut-ting ofi' the butt at the.

noper place by means of the prin'iary cutter l, which gage device is preferably construct ed follows:

J 'l' represent upper and lower gage bars or railsr arranged lengthwise adjacent to that side of the airrying-belt and holders from which the stub or butt end of the ea rs of corn project. laterally. These gage-bars are separated by ai". fitervening slot j, which is n ide enough to receive the stub of theicoin, but

sulliriently narrow to prevent the passage of the butt. of itluyeorii, causing the butt of the ear to engage with the gage-bars. lilarh par of corn is .moved laterally in its holder for engaging-its butt-end firmly against the inner sides of the gage-bars by means of a presser-plate K, which is arranged on the opposite side of the path of the ei'irrying-belt and holders and in position toengage with the tip end of the corn as the latter is moved forwardly. This presser-plate is arranged obhquely and mehnes from its rearrnd inf Wardly and forwardly toward the carryingbelt, so that the ear of the corn upon engaging its tip with the presser-plate is wedged or carried laterally toward the gage-bars. The presser-plate is of suoli length that it remains in engagement with the tip of the corn while the latter is moved forwardly between the gage-bars and past the butt-cutter l.

ln order to enable the presser-plate to adapt itself' to different lengths of ears, the same is so mounted that it is capable of yielding and clearing the path of the ear of corn after the same has been moved laterally its fullest extent against the gage-bars. The

preferred means for thus yieldingly supporting the presserlplate consists in pivoting the same at its rear end by means of a vertical shaft 7c to the rear upper part of the main frame and holding the same yieldingly in its innermost position by means of a shiftingrod r', projecting laterally from. the front end V of the presser-plate through a guide k2 on the main frame, and a weight lcs, connected by a cord k* with the outer end of the slnftmg-rod,

and passing around a roller kf on the mainl frame, as shownm li igs. 2, 3, and 7. The iiiward movement of the primary presser-plate is limited by engaging a stop la on the adjacentsupporting-rail, as shown in Fig. 3. The

,inward pressure which is exerted by the plate K against a.the ear of corn is so determined that this plate positively moves tho corn .laterallyin the holder for engaging its butt-end against the gagedi ars, which movement of the corn is permissible, as the front'jaws of the holders bear suilicientl y light against the corn to permit of this movement; but Vwhen the corn has been l'irml y pressed at its butt against the gage-bars and further movement in that diret-tion is arrested then the presser-plate is deflected against the pressure of the weight lr by the tip end of the corn passing along the remainder of the .inclined portion thereol. After the ear of corn has been thus gaged and while the saine is still in engagement therewith the corn is eut transversely at its butt, close to the. stub thereof, by the primary cutter l for the purpose of freeing 1li(` liusks of the corn from this end of the cob. '.lliis cutter is arranged adjacent to the inner side of the gage-bars adjacent to the. front ends thereof.

ln order to prevent the butt of the rorn from projecting to any considerable extent into the slot between the gage-bars, and thus avoid cutting oil an undue amount of the kernels of corn at the buttend thereof, 1r eans' are provided for automatically varying the width of this slot and causing the saine to adapt itself tostubs of different` dianteters. This is preferably effected by rigidly securing the lower gage-bar in place and supporting j position..

an extent as would cause the cutter to rethe 'front ends of the latter are rounded, so

. j and the upper gage-bar is guided by means to take in the smallest stub on an ear of corn l (cruels of `corn.Y The preferred means of effecting this lateral adjustment of the gage moved from an ear of corn .the same is operthe upper gage-bar so that the same is capable ofyielding vertically As shown in the drawings, the lower gagebar is secured to the lower parts of two heads of vertical guide-rods jZ, projecting upwardly from these heads through perforated ears or lugs ja on. the upper gage-bar. Springs j4,' surrounding the guide-rods between the topv of the lugs js, and shoulders o r nuts-j5 at the upper ends of the guide-rods serve to hold the upper gage-b ar yield in gly in its depressed The downward movement' of the upper gage-bar toward the lower gage-bar is f limited by the engagement of the lugs with the top Aof the heads j. ln this position of the upper gage-bar a slot is formed between the two gage-bars,'which is just wide enough for 'which the'machineis set. As the stubs on the ears increase in diameter the same by their wedge action between the lower and upper gage-bars cause the latter to be lifted for widening the slot sufficiently to take in the larger stub. It will thus be seen that'tlie gage device adapts itself automatically to the various diameters of ycorn-stubs, and a firm bearing for the ear of corn against the gage-bars is provided at its butt close to the stub, which effectually prevents the ear from being shoved throughI the gageslot to such move a considerable portion of the cob which bears kernels of corn. For the purpose of facilitating 'the entrance of the stubs on the corn between the upper and lower gage-bars as to form a forwardly-converging throat, as shown at j in Fig. 1 thereby leading the cornstubs reliably between the gage-bars. Some kinds of ears of corn have a blunt butt, while others have a pointed butt, and the gage is therefore so mounted that the A same can beadjusted laterally toward and from the outer side ofthe cutter for varying the point atwhich the butt is cutfrom the cob, as may befound most 'desirable for avoiding undue loss of kernels of corn and still free the husks from the cob. When the crop of corn has its ears pointed at the butt, the 'gage is yset farther from the cutter, so as to insure severing of the husks at this end of the ear` lf the ears of the corn are comparatively blunt at the butt, the gage is set closer to the cutter,- so as to avoid removing any considerable portion of the butt-end of the cob bearing consists in securing the heads j to the brackets J2 on the mainv frame by means of bolts o r screws J3 passing through transverse slots in the 'heads and intothe brackets, as shown in Figs. l, 3, 5, and 6.

After the butt and stub have been thus reated upon by a second gage device which determines the position for cutting off the tip end of the corn by the secondary cutter I to the required extent for liberatingor loosening the husks at this end of the ear.. This gage device com rises a secondary age bar of the belt and holders. The secondary gage-4 plate is arranged obliquely and inclines or curves from its rear end toward the-carrying- .belt and secondary cutter and is rigidly secured at its rear end to the adjacent part of the frame, while its front end is made transversely adjustable by being secured to the adjacent stationary part of the machine by means of an adjusting-bar Z and clampingbolts Z passing through a slot in said bar and into the bearing .ofthe secondary cuttershaft, which construction permits the front end of said plate to be adjusted toward and from the secondary cutter for determining the length of the stock which shall be removed from the tip end of the ears of corn. The secondary pressing device is constructed in all respects like the primary pressing device and comprises an oblique plate which is pivoted, by means of a vertical shaft m, at its rear end to the main frame, a guide-rod m',

projecting outwardly from the front end of` the presser-plate through a guide-lug m2 on the outer part of the main frame, and a wei ht 'm3, securedby a cord m4 lto the outer en of the guide-rod and passing .around a guidepulley m5,A thereby operating to hold this presser-plate yieldingly in the path of the utt of the corn. The inward movement of this presserfplate is limited by enga ing its upper end with a stop m on the a jacent supporting-rail, as shown in Fi 3. As the ear of corn is carried forwardly y its holder fromthe primary cutter the butt-end of the ear engages with the secondary presser-plate M and is shoved laterally by the same'in its holder until itstip end bears firmly against the opposing gage-plate L,. after whici lthe same' during the continued forward move-4 ment thereof with the holder. The butts and tlps-which are removed from the corn drop 'through the lower part ofthe frame upon the floorl or may be otherwisedisposed of. After the corn. hasbeen trimmed off at roo the tip in the manner described the holder l limited by means of a pin 07, arranged on thel opened Ain its downward passage around the front or delivery sprocket wheel and the ear is discharged therefrom upon a curved or inc-lined chute N, which directs the saine rearwardly and downwardly to the devices which control the feed of the saine to` the husking devices. This chute is supported at its upper end on the rear ends of the supporting-rails 71, and practically forms a continuation of the latterI as shown in Figs. i, 2, and 3.

Although the husking mechanism shown in the drawings may be used to remove the husks and sillis Vfrom 'out one ear at a time, the same is so organixed as to torni practically two huslting devices which operate alicrnately, and means are provided l'or delivering the ears ol corn from the cutting mechanism alternately to said hashing devices. These husking devices are arranged side by side underneath the delivery-chute of the cutting mechanism, and the like parts ol'v the saine are identical in construction, but operate alternately7 so vthat while one bushing device is operating on one ear ot corn tor removing the husks therefrom the other huslting device is in position to receive a new car ol" corn from the cutting mechanism. iicr the ear ol corn hasbeen delivered l'roni a holder upon the chute the latter conducts the saine to a switching or distributing device which directs the ear of corn alternately to the two husking devices and which is constructed as l'ollows:

At the lower end ol`- the chute N are arranged the two sections ol" a distributinghopper, which extends horizontally in opposite directions 'roni the delivery or lmvcr end ol the chute, as shown in Fig. 4. lllacli ol l these hopper-sections consists of' a rigid l'ront wall or side o and a vertically-movable rear side or wall o', which is pivoted hy rock-arms o2 upon a stationary i-,i'oss-har o5 on the main l'raine. ,ln its lowered posit ion the. rca-r hopper-wall is sulliciently close to the companion l'ront wall to prevent an car ol corn from dropping between the same. 'Upon swinging the rear wall rearwardly and upwardly hy its arms the corn therein drops through the open bottom thereol upon ay horixoi'ital table l arranged helow the saine. Such a table is provided i'or each ol'V the luisking devices and the same are arranged horizontally side by side. 'lhe upward movement ol' each rear hopper-wall is ell'ected hv means o t' a roch-lover o", pivoted on the main l'ran'ie above the hopper and connected at its l'ree end hy a. rod es' with the adjacent rock-arm o2 ol` .said wall and a rotary cani or tappet o", engaging with the i'ree end of the rock-lever for lil'ting the saine. When the cani clears the 'roch-lever o4, the rear hopper-wall drops downwardly into its operative position by gravity, the extent of this movement being main l'rame and engaged by one ol' the arms o, as shown in Fig. lo, The hopper-operating cam o is rotated in the proper direction (indicated hy the arrow, Fig'. 10) by means ot a pinion o, secured to the outer cud of the shaft which carries the l'ront sprocket of the carrying-belt and meshing with a gear-wheel o, secured to the shalt 01, which carries the hopper-opening cam o". As the cars of corn issue l'roin the chute they drop upon the opposing inner ends ol' the two hopper-sections :ind then are'dellccted or moved transversely in one hopper or the other by a distributing device which comprises a distributing plate dellcetor. This dellector is preferably constructed in the form ol a disk or upright plate Q, secured at its rear end to a horizontally-movable shipper-rod (l, vlfch moves hack and forth in the hopper-sec; ions and is arranged lengthwise in the 'rear part ol both hoppeis. i and moved lengthwise in the hoppers, t0- gether with the t cllector, hymeans ot' an upright rock-lever Q pivoted to the main l'rame and connected on its uppcr arm to the outer end 0l" the shipper-rod.

lilach ol" the movable rear walls ol the distriluiting-hopper is provided with an actuating mechanism such as above described, the

saine being arranged on opposite sides ol" the machine, as shown. l'li.. operating mechanisms l'or the rear walls olboth distributinghoppers are so timed that they are both in their lower or oilierative position while the ear ol" corn is directed intothe trough by the chute and delivered by the dellcctor either in to one section ol' thc hopper or the other, after which that particular side of the ho per which receives the earol corn is opener by raising of its rear wall for discharging the ear of corn therefrom to the table below and then again closed preparatory to receiving -the ear of corn which is to bc directed into the other hopper-section. The latter alter receiving the ear of corn in like manner opens up for lischarging 'the ear upon the table ot' the respective liiisking mechanism and is again closed for restoring the hopper and enabling the next following ear ot corn to be properly directed into the first-mentioned of the l'ioppcr-seetions.

The movement of the de'lector is so timed that it remains at rest on' one sible of the chiite until an ear of corn has been delivered upon the op osin inner ends of thel hoppersections. i ien t e dcflector moves laterally to the opposite side of the chute for directing the ear of corn in'to the respective hoppersection and remains there until the following .ear has been delivered by the chute into the beppe" after which. th dellector is inoved into opposite direction for moving the last-mentioned ear into' the other hopperseotioii, this movement of the dcllector from IOS IIO

i the front husiring-roller.

. preferable to construct one in the forni el a @eases one section to the other continuing inter-l mittently while the machine Ls in operation.

inasmuch 'as the two husking devices l which receive the ears of corn alternately from the cutting mechanism are practically identical in construction and operation, the following description of one will apply to both, in so far as the parts are duplicated. i

R SA represent a air of rotary husking members or rollers w ich are arranged parallel with each other and transversely below' the chute. These vblushing-rollers, are sufii. ciently long so as to form thehusking niembers of both husliing devices, one end of this fair of rollers being arranged in 'front of one eed-table P, while the other end of the pair is arranged infront ofthe feed-table of the other husking device.A By thus employing bushing-rollers ol' such length that opposite ends thve'reorp forni part of two separate husking devices' the construction ot the machine is simplified. lThe front husking n'ieniber ll; is 1 rranged abcutone level with the tables, While the rear member S is arranged slightly below the level of the tables and about 1nidway between the front end of the same and The front huslingroller preferably consists of ahuli r and plurality of flexible flaps, heaters, or wings r', which are arranged lengthwise on the periphery of the hub. As .the front roller rotates its flaps exert a beating action upon the husks and Silks of the ear o corn, whereby the saine are loosened and removed more or less from the ear. T he rear husliing-roller is preferably constructed inthe forni of a cylindrical brush, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, el, and 1U' to i2, which enables the saine to remove the husls and Silks. gently from the ear which have -been loosened by the beaters. The combined action of the heater and brush members eiiectually removes the sillts and huslrs. from the ear withoutwhruising the kernels of corn. By this ineens the quality and the quantity of the yield in cut corn is iinproved and increased, inasmuch as the liernels retain their full forni and none oll the corn juices are lost, such as occurs when the Kernels or corn are hiuised more or less in the act of removing the huslis therefrom.

lf desired, both ol' the rotary -husking members may be constructed in the forni oi brushes or in the forni of heaters, .but it is brush and the other 'as a beater, as shown in thedrawings, because each of these forms produces a desirable cllect upon the corn which is peculiar to that form, therehyoh i taining the advantage of both lorins and prois.. .fi tmf-q, uucing the host results. lhe Laps oA ic beater member may be secured to the huh thereof litany suitable manner, but prel'ei`- ably by inserting the inner ends ol the ila-ps or wings in longitudinal grooves I, formed in the hul) and securing the saine therein by feed-table, which causesthe opposing sides of these members to nieve in opposite diu roctions, as indicated by the arrows in Fig.

The* ineans ,for thus rotating' 'these members (shown in Figs. l, 2, 3, and llconsist of a 1eelt s passing around tn e pulley ff on the niain shaft, pulleys s2 on the ends of the front and rear husiting-rollers and an idler# pulleys4 mounted on the niain frame. After an ear of corn drops from one ofthe hopperscctions upon the table below the same it is carried forwardly Yfrom the latter into engager nient with the opposing upper parts of the husling-rollers by a shifting device which comprises a pair of rock-arms T, arranged to swing vertically forward and backward on shaft t supporting these arzns at their lower ends, and a yielding retaining or shifting- I the ear oi corn is being discharged troni the distribetting-hopper, the rock-arms T are swung rearwardly so that the shifting or re-Y taining head carried thereby is in rear of the distributing hopper, as shown by full lines in Fig. 12 and by dotted lines in' Fig. l0. Alter the ear has dropped upon the tablesecliou the rock-arms T nieve forwardly,`

togetherv with the shifting-head, until these opposite sides of the respective table, a rocio part. occupy the position shown by full:

lines in'Figs. l, 2, l0, and il.' inovenient the corn is swept orcarried .for-` wardly over the table and delivered 'upon the upper opposing parts ot the husliing ineinhers. 'l'hc corn held by the head l) in enlageinent wil h both ci these members a suite cient length ol' time to enable them to reniovc the linslis and silks therei'rorn by retainingrtlxc slnltuig-head m such position that its ron iaces lootli of me husliing members and the plane thereot is substantially pffu'allel with a line drawn transversely through the axis of both huslting nienhers', as shown in Fig. l0. lNhile the ear of corn thus ciln'lined by the lhead U upon the hns4 ing-rollers, the latter hy their rotary engi lnentwith the ear cause the saine to r( freely and present all sides iereolhto i hashing and cleaning action r the husiingrollers. For the `purpose el? increasing the ellectivcness of the husl;ing-rollers the saine are rotatml sov that the periipher l portions of I lluring this lic the saine nieve at a differential or unequal speed. This ean be effected in various ways, but preferably by making the front and rear liuskmg-rollers of the Vsame diameter, but making the pulley s2 smaller in diameter than the pulley s, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, thereby causing the front roller to turn faster than the rear roller. By this means the ear of corn is not only turned,` but a grinding action is exerted upon the same by the differential rotation of the rollers, which. has the effect of stiipping the hus'ks gently and not violently from the 'ear'. The ear of corn is yieldingly held in engagement with the bushing-rollers by the flexible apron of the shifting-head, which enables ears of dill'erent diameter to be held reliably in engagement with the rotary liuskers and at the saine t-i me permit the latter by their frietional engagement with the ear to turn the saine for subjecting all parts of the ear to the action of the huskers and insure removal of all the liusli's and silks therefrom.

By employing a flexible apron for holding the ear of eorn in position on the huskingrollers the apron is able to adapt itself to dit'- lerent lengths and shapes of ears andiengiige the same along the entire bulging or irregular side thereof, whereby the ear is firmly held throughout its entire length in engagement with the bushing-rollers, thus insuring thorough stripping and cleaning of the liusks and silks therefrom. Y

'llie husks and silks removed by the rollers are discharged forwardly and downwardly therefrom. After the ear of eorn has been subjected to the action of the husking niembers a suilieient length of time to thoroughly .remove the husks and silks therefrom the shifting-head is roeked vertically or in a direction transversely to the axis of the huskmg members until the saine assumes the position shown by dotted lines in Fig. ll. During this movement of the shifting-head the lower end thereof moves across the top of the rear hns-king member while its upper end moves away from the front liusking member. When this eeeurs, the ear of corn is lifted out of engagementfroni the rear husking niembergand plaeed wholly under the influence of the front hnskingzinember. ln this Changed position of the shifting-head the space between the apron lof the head and front husk- 'uig member widens'upwardly, inasniueh as the apron 0fth'e shifting-head new only faces the front rellen-.thereby causing the ear of corn, which4 is now wholly out of eontaet `from the rear' huskin member, to be discharged upwardly an forwardly from the machine by the rotation of the front husking member. Thisi discharging movement of the shifting beati oeeurs while the supporting rook-arms T thereof rema in stationary ni their forward position. After the husked ear of eorn has been thus discharged the 'lever V", as shown in Figs. l, 2, 3, 4, and l0.

rock-arms T, together wjtli ,the shifting-head mounted thereon, are retrned into the rearward. receiving position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1() preparatory to receiving the next ear of corn from the distributing-hop- 7o T he mechanism for oscillating the roekshaft t, which carries the rock-arms T, may

.be variously constructed, that shown in the drawings consisting of an upright rook-lever 75. V, having its lower arm connected by`a link 'e with a depending rook-arm o on the shaft t, l a rotary cam if, mounted on one of the counter-shafts o1" and engaging with a roller on tlie upper arm of the rook-lever V, and a spring n, eonneeting an upright arm v*v on t ie rock-shaft t with the main frame, as shown in Figs. l, 3, and 4. 'lliese parts are so organized that the rook-arms T, together with the shifting-head mounted thereon, are moved forward positively byftlie earring, while the return movement of these parts is effected by the spring/tri. The rocking movement of the shiftinghead on the rock-levers for diseharging they` ear of eorn from the husking members and then returning to its normal retracted position is eileeted by means eoniprising a trani.- verse roek-lever W, inounted on tl'ielower 4 part of Athe outer rock-arm 'l`, a rod te, Con- 95 neeting the. inner arm of the rock-lever N with a lug or arm uw', projecting rearwardly from the eentral part of the adjaeent yoke, a rock-lever `ur', mounted ou the upper part ol' the nniin fra-nie and eonneeted by arod w with the other arm of the rock-lever YV, a cani il, niounted on the reenter-shaft 00 and engaging with the rock-lever tra, and a spring w, connected with the inner arm oi' the roektot t' C5 'l`he ejeeting nioveiuent of the shifting-head l'roni the position shown in full lilies to that shown in dotted lines .in Fig. ll isfuelleeted positively by the Cain 11;, while theaetuln movement thereof is eil'eeted by the spring '105, aided by the weight of the rock-lever and the rod eonneeted therewith.

ln order to cause the inner end of the shifting-head to move practically in unison with the outer end thereof during the ejeeting' niovenient of the head, an auxiliary spring is employed, which aids the cani 1Q" in turning7 this end of the head in that direction. This spring, as shown in Figs. 11 and l2, exerts its pressure against one end of' a rod ze, which is guided on the inner roeka-rrn 'l ot the shifting-head and iseonneet'edd at its other end with a lug w on the rear een-v tral part of the adjacent inner yoke of the head.

The actuating Iie-e.lianisiiis of the shifting deviees whereby the earsof eorn are carried from the leed-tables to opposite ends ofthe rotary liuskingqniembers. are so timed that these shifting .devices are operated alter- 130 again strikes the gate and turns the same in nately and in harmony with the eardistributing devices above the same, so as to cause -one of the ear-shifting devices to move an ear from one of the tables forwardly and hold the same in working engagement with the corresponding ends of the husking niembers while the other shifting device has been moved rearwardly! in position to receive an ear of corn from the distributing device. Bythis means practically two husking. devices are supplied continually from asingle feeding and trimming or cuttingmechanism, .thereby obtaining the maximum capacity lof the machine.

sists, preferably, of a plate which normally projects upwardly at the front end of the respective table and is secured lat its lower en( to a transverse rock-shaft y, which is journaled horizontally in bearings at this end .of the table. This gate is yieldingly held inits elevated position by means of a sprin y', connectinga depending arm y2 on this s aft with astationary part ofthe main frame below the same. when dropped upon the feed-table should roll forwardly, Athe same is prevented from leavingv the front end of the`table by the elevated gate which it encounters. As the shifting-head engages withthe corn and moves it from the feed-,table to the husking members the -stop-gate is deflected sufficiently to ermit the corn to pass over the same, as s own in Fig. 11. and shifting-head have clearedthe gate the latter is-again returned to its operativeele- `vated position by the spring y.- During the return movement the shifting-head the opposite direction; but this movement is only incidental and of'no conse uence. ln the absence of the stop-gate t e corn at times 'Wouldbe liable to roll ofl1 from the table upon the husking members and immediately be discharged from the latter While only partially husked, this being due to the absence at this time of the shifting and holding devices for retaining. the corn inengagenient with the husking members.

'The rocklever q', which reciprocates the plate or deilector of the distril'm-ting device, is preferably oscillated by an elbow-lever 2, having one of its' arms connected with the lower arm of the rock-lever'q, while its other `arm is connected by a rod e with a roclearm 22,'iiepeiirling from one of the rock-shafts t, as represented 1n Figs. 1,'2, and 4.

My improved corn-husking machine not Ifthe ear of corn After the corni only removes the b usks 'and silks lfrom the ears of corn tlrioroughly and expeditiously with a minimum amount of waste, but the same is also durable and comparatively simple in construction andcontains no delicate able to get out of order. claim as my invention- M1. in a corn-huskingmachine, the combination of cutter, a vholderfor'receiving an ear of 'corn and presenting the same to said. cuttereomprising a bottom, a fixed jaw arranged at one end of the bottom, a movable j aw arranged at the other end of the bottom, guide-rods arranged'on the bottom and supporting said `movable jaw, and springs for yieldingly shifting said movable jaw toward the fixed jaw, and means for moving said I holdlpr past said cutter, substantially as set j fort l 2. Ina corn-bushing machine, the combi-l nation of a cutter, a holder for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter comprising fixed and movable jaws, means for moving said holder past said cutter, and automatic 'means operating to separate said jaws in rear ofthe cutter to permit of placing an ear in the holder and again l separating saidfjaws infront of the cutter to permit of discharging the ear from the holder, substantially as set forth. l 3. In a corn-liusking machinethe combination of a cuttera holder for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter comprising fixed and movable jaws, means for moving said holder past said cutter, a spring for yieldingly shifting the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw, and means' for separating the movable jaw from on the holder and having a triparm conment for turning the lever and an actuating- `arm constructed to engage said movable. jaw for shifting the same from the fixed jaw, substantially as set forth.

4. In a corn-husking machine, the combiear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter consisting of'a bottom, a fixed jaw at one end of the bottom, a movable jaw guided on the other end of the bottom, and a spring operating to shift said movable jaw toward the fixed jaw, a carrier for moving said holder past said cutter comprising an endless belt ing-wheels, and means for separating said jaws for receiving and discharging the ear having a trip-arm arrangedto engage' the ,hubs'of said supp()rting-Wlieelsl for turning the same, and an actuating-arm constructed to engage said movable jaw for shifting the same from the fixed jaw, substantially as set forth.

parts which require close adjustment or are the iixed 'aw comorisinv a rock-lever ivoted l j h structed to engage with a stationary abut,

IOO

IIO

-nation of a cutter,` a holder for receiving an which passes around front and rear supportn comprising a levez` pivoted on the holder and' ige 5, In a corn-bushing machine, the combipresser' device for yieldingly holding said nation of a cutter', a holder for receiving an bars in a depressed position, substantially as ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, a carrier for moving said holderpast said cutter comprising an endless belt passing around supporting-wheels, and means for giiiding the holder comprising stationary rails arranged lengthwise on opposite sides of the belt and engaging with recesses in the sides ofthe holder, substantially as set forth.

6; In a corn-huslring machine, the combination of a cutter, a holder for receiving an ear of corn and presentingthe same to the cutter, means for moving said holder past said cutter, and means for retaining the ear in said holder comprisino` a bar arranged labove the path of the holder and in position to close, the mouth thereof, substantially as set -forth.

7. In a corn-bushing machine, the combination of a'cutter, a holder for receiving an ear ofcorn and presenting the same to the cutter, means for moving said holder past -said cutter, and means for retaining the ear in said holder consisting of a bar arranged lengthwise of the open side of the holder, and

a pressing device' for moving said bar yieldingly toward said holder, substantially as set forth.

. 8. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of a cutter, a holder having a mouth for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, a carrier for movinor said holder past the cutter with its moutli facing upwardly, and means for preventing the ear from rising in the holder comprising a Vvertically-movable retaining-bar arranged constantly lengthwise above the path of said holderso as to extend over the mouth thereof, and a pressure'device for holding the bar yieldingly in a depressed position, substantially as set forth,

9. In acorn-husliing machine, the coi'nbination of a cutter, a holder for receivingan ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, a carrier for moving said holder past the cutter with its mouth facing upwardly, and means for preventing the ear from rising in the holder comprising a vertically-movable retaining-bar arranged lengthwise above the path of said holder so as to extend over the mouth thereof, upright rods connected at their lower ends with said bar and guided in a supporthand weight-levers'bearing against the upper ends of said rods, substantially as set forth. f

10, In a corn-husking machine,the combination of a'cutter, a holder for receiving an ear of cornand presenting the same to said cutter, means for moving said holder past said cutter with its mouth facingupwardlv, and means for preventing rising of the ear in said holder comprising two lvertically-movable retaining-bars arranged lengthwise side by side above the mouth of the holder, and a set forth.

ll. In a. corn-huskingmachine, theconibination of a cutter, a movable holder for receiving an oar of' corn and presenting the same to said cutter, a stationaryY gage arranged to be engaged by one end of said ear, and a yielding presser device arranged to engage the opposite end of said ear, substantially as set forth.

12. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of a cutter, a movable holder for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, an adjustablestationary gage arranged to be engaged by one end of said oar, and a yielding pressing device constructed to engage with the other end of said vsite side of said path and engaging with the other end of said ear, forth.

14. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of a cutter, a movable holder for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, a stationary gage ar, ranged lengthwise on one side of the path of the holder in rear of the cutter and adapted to be engaged by one end of said ear and a presser device consisting of an oblique plate arranged on the opposite side of said path and adapted to engage with the other end of said ear, and means for moving said late yieldingly toward said gage, substantially as set forth.

15. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of a cutter, a movable holder for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, a stationary gage arranged lengthwise on one side of the path of the holder in rear of the cutter and adapted to be engaged by one end'of said ear and a presser device for moving said ear against said gage consisting of an oblique presserplate arranged on the opposite side of said path and 'adapted to 'engage with the other end of said ear, a pivot for the rear end of said plate, 'a rod`connected with the front end of the presser-plate and passing through a guide, and a weight connected by a cord with said rod and passing around an intermediate roller, substantially as set forth.

16. In a corn-bushing machine, the'combination of a cutter, a movable holder for receiving an ear of corn and presenting the substantially as set IOO IIO

same to said cu. Uer, and a station arygage arother, substantially as set forth.

1.8. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of' a cutter, a movable holder Jfor receivingan ear of corn and presenting the same to said cutter, and a gage comprisinga lower iixed bar and an upper vertically-mo vl able bar which are arranged to be engaged by the butt of the ear and which are separated to form a slot which receives the stub of the ear, and means for yieldingly moving the upper bar toward the lower bar, substantially as set forth.

19. In a eorn-husking machine, the combination of a Cutter, a movable holder for receiving an earof corn and presenting the same to said cutter, and a gage comprising a lower fixed bar and an upper vertically-movable bar which are arranged to be engaged by the butt of the ear and Wliichare separated to forma slot "which receives the stub' of the ear, vertical rods upon which the upper gage-bar is guided, and springs for yieldingly retaining the upper guide-bar in its depressed position, substantially as set forth.

20. ln a corn-bushing machine, the combination of a movable holder for supporting an ear or' corn, eutters arranged onv opposite sides of the path of said holder and one ahead of the other, gages arranged adjacentto said cutters, and pressing devices arranged oppo` site the gages for moving the ear first against one gage lpreparatory to cutting oil' one of its ends and then moving the same against the other gage preparatory to cutting oil' the other end thereof, substantially as set forth. 2].. In a Corn-husliing machine, the Combination of rotary husking members arranged to support an ear of corn partly on each n1en1` ber, means forrotating said member so that their opposing sides move in opposite directions and means for pressing-the ear against said members, substantially as set forth. 22. In a corn-husking mao/hine, the combination of husking members arranged to support an ear oi" corn partly on 'each member,- means for rotating said members so that the periphery of one moves in the opposite direction and faster than that of the other7 and ymeans for pressing the ear against-said mem- `bers, substantially as set forth.

23. In a corn-husking machine, the c ombi-.

o nation of rotary husking members arranged to support an ear of corn partly on each memp ber, one of said members constructed in the 6 5 form oi' a brush and lthe other having a plu.- ra'lity of flexible strips or Wings, and means 'for pressing the ear against said members, substantially set forth.

24. In a corn-bushing machine, the combi- 7o nation ofv rotary husking members arranged to support an ear of corn partly on each member, one oi' said members consisting of a hub provided in its periphery With a plurality llongitudinal grooves, liexible strips or Wings seated at their inner edges in said grooves, and tie Wires or cords passing around said hub and through openings in said wings, sub-A stantially as set forth.

25. In a oorn-husking machine, the combi- 8o ing a flexible apron arranged to engage with 5 'the ear, and movable toward and from the .husking members in a plane at right angles to the axis thereof, substantially as set forth.

26. In a corn-bushing machine, the combination of rotary husking membersiarranged 9o lo receive an ear of Corn between them,l and means forl holding the ear yielding'ly in engagement with the husking members comprising a'tlexible apron arranged to engage with the ear, rods supporting opposite edges of the apron, and yokes connecting the corre. spending ends of said rods, substantially as set forth.

2T. In a corn-bushing machine, the combination of rotary husking members, and loo means movable toward and from the husking' members in a plane at right angles-thereto and constructed and operating to hold an ear oi corn in Contact With said members and then releasing the same, substantially as set I 5 28. In a corn-bushing machine, the combination of rotary husliing members, a shiftinghead for holding an ear of corn in engagement *1 with said members While in one position and 1 ro to release said ear in another position, and

means for actuating said head, substantially as set forth.

at. In a corn-bushing machine, the-combination of rotary husling members, a support 1 15 movable toward and from said husking members, a shifting-head mounted on said support and adapted to hold an ear ofcorn against said members, and-f means for Vturning said head on its support for'releasing the ear from i2@ said members, substantially as set forth.

' 30. .In a cornhusking machine, the combination of revoluble. husking members, a shifting-head for holding an ear of corn in engagement with said members and for releasing the same therefrom, and a rocking support whereby said head is moved bodily toward said members for holding the ear against. lho

same and upon which said head is capable of turning for releasing the ear, substantially as s et forth.

l 31. In a corn-husking machine, the combi nation of revolu'ole husking members, a shifting-head for holding an ear of corn in engagement with said members and for releasing the saine therefrom, rock-arms upon which said head is pivoted, means fer moving said arms toward and from said members, and means for turning said head on said arms, substantially as set fort-h.

32. In a eorn-husking machine, the combination of revoluble husking members, ay shift ing-head for holding an ear of corn in engagement with said members and for releasing the same therefrom, rock-arms upon which said head is pivoted, means for moving said arms toward and from said members, and a rocklever mounted on one of said rock-arms and connected with said head, substantially as set forth.

33. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of revoluble husking members, a shilt ing-head for holding an ear of corn in engagement with said members and to release the same therefrom, said head consisting of a ilexible apron, rods supporting the ends oiP said apron and yokes connecting corresponding ends of said rods, rock-arms whichare movable toward and from said husking members and upon which the yokes of said head are pivoted, a cam-operated mechanism for actuating said rock-arms, a rock-lever mount- .ed on one of said rock-arms and connected with a lug on one of the yokcs of said shiftinghead, and a cam-operated mechanism for ac tuating said rock-lever, substantially as set forth.

34. In a corn-bushing machine, the combination 'of a feed-table, revoliible huslting members rrranged in front c5' said table, and. a carrier movable bachr and forth between said table and said members and adapted to deliver ears of corn from said table to said members, substantially as set forth,

35. In a corn-huskiing machine, the combination of a feed-table, a 'pair ol' revolublc husking members arranged lengthwise in rear of said table, the front member of said paar having its axis'snbstaniially inline with the plane of the table while the rear member Ihas its axis below the plane of said table, and

nieans for delivering ears of cor-n lroni the table to said. members, substantially as set l'orth.

36. ln a corn-hashing infn-bine, the combination Aof a leed-table, 'oliible liiisking milnbcis arranged ii. liv-zii' ot szilil table, means l'o'r delivering ears corn l'roni lio tabley to said members, and :i movable stop 'or lfate arranged at tbc iront end oll said table, substantially :is set l'oitb.

3T. ln a cornlnisling mai-bini., ilic comblnation of a. feed-table, revoluble husking members arranged in front of. said table, means for delivering ears of corn from the table to said members, a movable stop or gate arranged at the front end of said table, and means for yieldingly holding said gate in position, substantially as set forth.

38. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of a feed-table, revoliible husking members arranged in iront, of said table, v

,means for delivering ears of coin from the table to said members, a rock-shaft arranged at the front end of the table, a gate secured to said shaft, and a spring operating to turn said shaft and cause the gate to. normally project upwardly, substantially as set forth.

39. In a corn-husking machine, the combination of a feed-table, revoluble husking members arranged in front of said table, a gate yieldingly arranged at the front end of said table, and means for delivering ears of corn from said table to the said husking "members comprising a sliifting-hea-dniovable foiwvard and backward over said table and members, and rock-arms upon which said head is pivoted, substantially as set forth.

a0. ln a corn-husking machine the combii'iation of a hiisking device, a feed-hopper having two downwardly-converging Walls one of which is fixed while the other is moy'- able laterally, and means operating to move said movable wall toward and from the fixed wall to permit of holding an ear in the hopper and discharging the same therefroi'ii, substantially as set forth. l

41. ln a corn-liiisking machine, the combination of a feed-table, a husking device arranged in iront of said table, a feed-hopper arranged above the table and having two side walls one of which is fixed while the other is movable laterally toward and from the lixed wall, and means for operating said movable wall intermittently [or discharging ears of corn l'rom said hopper upon the table,sub stantially as set forth.

42. ln a corn-bushing machine, the combination of two husking devices, a distributinghopper having two sections which are arranged side by side and each of which has a lixed wall and a wall movable laterally, ton'aid and from the fixed walhineans for operatiiig said movable Walls alternately, a. supply-chute for delivering cars to the opposing ends ol the hopper-sections, and a distributing device for carrying the ears from said chiite alternately into said hopper-sed tions, substantially as set forth.

siii. ln a coin-hiisking machine, the combination ol' two husking devices, a distributinghopper having two sections which are arranged sido by side and each ol which has a lixcd wall and a wall movable laterally toward and from the lxed wall, means for operating said movable walls alternately, a sup- IIO ply-chute 'for del ivering' ears to the opposing' ends of the l'iopper-seetiinis, anda distributing' device which operates to carry the ears of corn alternatelv from said chiite to either hopper-section and which eompriscs a plate which reciproca tes lengthwise in both hopper-sections, substantially as set forth.

44. lii a corn-hiisl ing` machine, the combinatiiii' ol' two bushing devices, an ear-distributing' hopper consisting ol` two sections each olii hich has one ol` its sides fixed while its other side is movable, verticalljv-swinging rock-arms siipportingthe movable sidesoi said hoppers, cani-levers connectedwithsaid movable hoppensides, cams for actuating said (fam-levers and operating to raise said movable hopper sides alternately, a chiite for directing ears into the opposing' sections of the distribi'itiiig-hopper, a. movable distributing-plate operating' to shift the ears alternateliT from said Chute to said hoppersoetions, a rod supporting said distributingplate and reciprocating lengthwise in said hopper, and means for actuating said rod,

substantially as set forth.

45. In a corn-bushing machine, the combi! nation of two l'eedables, two hiiskinir dnvices arranged ,in 'front of said tables, respectively, shiftingr 'devices constructed to deliver the ears of corn alternately from said tables to the husking devices, a leed-hopper having two sections arranffed above the `leedtables and each section having a fixed wall and a laterally-movable wall, means for operating" said movable wallsalternately, a chute for delivering the ears of corn to the opposing' central parts of said hopper7 and a distribiit ing device operating toshift the ears from said chiite to said sections alternately, substantially as set forth.

l/Vitness my hand this 9th dav of Deceniber, i904.

ARTH il lt P. XYO'LFE. lVi tn esses:

Trino. L. Pori, EMMA M. GRAHAM'. 

